CFSP

Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) is the European Union's framework for coordinating member states' foreign policy and security actions. It aims to safeguard the EU's values and interests through diplomacy, sanctions, and crisis response, and to promote peace, democracy, human rights, and international security. CFSP covers political dialogue, external relations, sanctions, and, in concert with security policy, crisis management.

Legal basis and governance: CFSP was established by the Maastricht Treaty in 1993 as part of the EU's external action framework. The Lisbon Treaty of 2009 strengthened governance by creating the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and the European External Action Service (EEAS) to coordinate policy across the EU. The Council of the European Union, acting by unanimity on most CFSP measures, sets the policy direction, while the High Representative leads day-to-day implementation in cooperation with the EEAS.

Instruments and scope: The EU articulates CFSP positions through common positions and joint actions, and can impose sanctions, issue statements, or negotiate agreements with third countries. It develops strategic partnerships and coordinates with international organizations. In crisis situations, the CFSP framework enables crisis management under the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP), with civilian and, where appropriate, military missions directed by EU instruments.

Relation to CSDP and external action: CSDP is the security and defence dimension of CFSP. The EEAS coordinates civilian and military missions, training, and capacity-building, and supports the EU's diplomatic efforts. CFSP decisions are integrated with other external policies, including trade and development, to pursue coherent external action.

Significance and challenges: CFSP remains central to the EU's external strategy, balancing consensus among 27 member states, strategic interests, and international law. It interacts with NATO, the UN, and regional actors and continues to adapt to changing global security environments.